The Bar Council of India (BCI) stayed the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana’s decision to suspend the license of Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association (HCBA) President Vikas Malik for allegedly assaulting a lawyer and removing the DVR of the CCTV cameras installed at the HCBA office.
The Jharkhand High Court recommended the implementation of insurance benefits for lawyers to provide financial security and support. This decision is based on a Public Interest Litigation highlighting the financial difficulties faced by lawyers, emphasizing the need to safeguard their welfare. Both State and Central governments are urged to take action to protect the lives of lawyers.
The Bar Council of India has called for a joint virtual meeting to address advocates’ strikes in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the need to resume court activities. The meeting aims to discuss compliance with Supreme Court directives, grievance resolution, feedback solicitation, continuous engagement framework, and immediate measures to prevent further strikes.
Today, On 10th July, The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) has urged the Bar Council of India (BCI) to recognize Indian General Counsel (GCs) as legal advisers and grant them attorney-client privilege. They also advocated for GCs to be included in the list of eminent mediators and arbitrators. SILF emphasized the evolving role and global trends of GCs, seeking clarity and accountability.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) urged the Central government to come up with a medical/health insurance scheme for advocates and their families, and to implement the Advocates Protection and Compensation Bill. In a letter addressed to Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra highlighted issues that affect the welfare and security of the legal fraternity.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all State Bar Councils to take action against lawyers advertising through online portals, following a judgment by the Madras High Court. BCI specifies strict disciplinary measures and compliance deadlines for online platforms to remove illegal advertisements related to legal services. Failure to comply will result in legal proceedings and penalties.
The SILF has requested the BCI to discuss new rules allowing foreign lawyers and firms to enter India before official notification. The BCI plans to implement these regulations by the end of July. SILF supports the initiative but raised concerns about timing and implementation, urging for discussions before the rules are notified.
A recent RTI query revealed that 51.64% of candidates failed to pass India’s Bar Examination, highlighting challenges faced by law aspirants. The Bar Council of India cited exam frequency issues due to COVID-19. Critics suggest a need to enhance legal education to meet practical demands, sparking debate on maintaining rigorous standards while ensuring fair access to the legal profession.
Today, 30th April, A PIL filed in Delhi High Court urges the establishment of a Legal Education Commission, similar to the Medical Education Commission, to assess and possibly implement a four-year Bachelor of Law program. The plea criticizes the current five-year program as excessively long and unnecessary, advocating for a more efficient and equitable legal education system suited to contemporary youth.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) announced a pivotal initiative on Wednesday (21 Feb) to help legal practitioners adapt to new criminal codes. This includes a time-bound plan to implement new laws, replacing outdated ones from the 19th century. The BCI aims to support practitioners with comprehensive training and upskilling programs for a smooth transition.